Bridge to Success is a vocational readiness program that partners with schools, families, and the community to help students gain real-world job experience while building important life and career skills.

The primary goal of Bridge to Success is to prepare students for competitive employment. Competitive employment means working in the community alongside people without disabilities, earning fair wages, and meeting the same expectations as any other employee. Our program helps students build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed in these real-world job opportunities.

High school students with disabilities in St. Charles County schools who are preparing for the transition into adulthood and the workforce may apply. We partner with Orchard Farm, Francis Howell, Fort Zumwalt, and City of St. Charles school districts.

Students and families can complete an application through their case manager or by contacting the Bridge to Success instructor directly at chiggins@ofr5.com.

No, the program has a limited number of slots available and a selective application process. Not every student is chosen, and participation is considered a privilege.

Students must complete an application and observation process to be considered. Acceptance is based on factors such as attendance, behavior, motivation, and readiness to participate in both classroom learning and job site training. Because spots are limited, not every applicant is chosen, and participation is considered a privilege. Students must be independent in self-care needs.

As guests at our partner job sites, interns are expected to demonstrate the same professionalism as any employee. With support from Bridge to Success job coaches, students are responsible for following directions, working independently or with a team, showing strong work and social skills, maintaining proper hygiene, and following the dress code. Interns should also be able to manage their time with a watch or phone, stay on schedule, and handle physical tasks for up to three hours.

Our current partners include Embassy Suites, St. Charles Convention Center, and Fresh Thyme Market, where students gain experience in hospitality, events, retail, and more.

Each semester, interns will experience two separate 8-week internship placements to explore a variety of career paths. While some interns remain at the same job site to build consistency and mastery, others may rotate to different areas or job sites throughout the year. This flexibility allows students to explore a variety of roles, discover their strengths, and gain a well-rounded work experience.

Students practice both hard and soft skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, customer service, resume writing, and interview techniques.

Bridge to Success is not designed for students who require 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 support. Interns must be able to work independently and unsupervised for up to 30 minutes at a time. However, every student is issued a radio at the start of each shift to stay connected with job coaches. If an intern needs assistance, they can call for support right away, ensuring help is always within reach while still promoting independence.

Yes, Bridge to Success collects information on student progress, attendance, and hard and soft skill development to help measure growth and success in the program.

Yes, transportation is coordinated through their home school district to ensure students can safely get to and from their internship locations.

Students spend 2 hours at work but also receive 30 minutes of classroom instruction before and after each shift to practice workplace skills and career readiness. There is no classroom instruction at Fresh Thyme.

No, internships are unpaid. The focus is on skill-building, hands-on training, and preparing students for future employment opportunities. Interns earn credits toward their high school diploma.

By combining real-world job experience with classroom learning, students leave the program with stronger workplace skills, confidence, and a clearer sense of their future goals. Some interns even receive job offers from their job sites, turning their internship experience into a real career opportunity.

Yes! We value family involvement and encourage parents/guardians to stay connected with the instructor to support their student’s success.

All interns are required to wear a black polo shirt, black work pants, and black closed-toed shoes. Interns working in the Food & Beverage department at St. Charles Convention Center are required to wear a long-sleeved black polo shirt during events.

If interns need access to a uniform, parents are encouraged to contact their home schools for assistance in obtaining one.

Just like a real job, attendance at Bridge to Success is very important. If an intern is sick or unable to attend for any reason, they must notify Claire Higgins about their absence, just as they would with an employer. To successfully complete the program and earn school credit, interns are required to maintain at least 80% attendance. If a student wishes to participate in a school activity, field trip, or assembly, they must contact both Claire Higgins and their case manager in advance to arrange an excused absence from Bridge to Success for that day.